SQM restarts lithium operations in Chile following the removal of roadblocks.

SQM, the world’s second-largest lithium supplier, is resuming operations in northern Chile following the clearance of roadblocks by local communities, as confirmed by a company representative on Monday. The removal of the final blockades, in place for nearly a week, allows the gradual return to normal operations. Community concerns arose over plans to increase lithium…

Read More

A recently identified mineral found in abandoned gold mine dumps.

A recently identified mineral, named kanatzidisite, was found in the mining dumps of the abandoned Nagybörzsöny gold deposit at Alsó-Rózsa in northern Hungary. Kanatzidisite, belonging to the class of materials known as chalcogenides, has historical usage in copper production and modern applications in catalytic reactions for fuel production, solar cells, and various materials. This novel…

Read More

Tight supply of raw materials puts pressure on copper smelter margins in China.

The competition for mined copper resources is anticipated to increase, posing a challenge to Chinese firms responsible for half of the world’s refined copper production. Despite significant output cuts affecting the metal market, it is unlikely that these cuts will be substantial. Chinese copper producers, primarily state-owned, face pressure to uphold or elevate production targets…

Read More

Codelco finalizes an agreement with the supervisors union at the Chuquicamata copper mine.

On Friday, Chile’s state-owned Codelco, the largest global copper producer, announced the successful negotiation of a new contract with the union representing supervisors in its Chuquicamata division. The agreement, impacting 658 individuals, incorporates incentives tied to goal achievement and enhanced productivity, according to the company’s statement. While the financial details remain undisclosed, the contract spans…

Read More

Sure bet Gold Discoveries Unveiled by Goliath

In 2023, Goliath’s drilling initiative broadened and enhanced the Sure bet and Bonanza Shear zones, uncovering a novel gold-silver zone that introduces the possibility of significant deeper discoveries. Last year, over 34,000 meters of drilling at Golddiggers substantially augmented the dimensions and quality of the Sure bet and Bonanza Shear zones, while introducing the newly…

Read More

Assessing the Balance: Is the Upside Worth the Risk in Copper-Rich Chile

Nationalization remains a prominent subject in mining discussions. With tightening supply chains and increasing strength in long-term demand drivers, resource-rich nations are striving to secure a larger portion of their mineral wealth. Throughout South America, Africa, and Asia, countries are challenging established norms that enable multinational miners to profit substantially from local resources. Although nationalization…

Read More

The mining industry identifies a strategy to navigate the necro crisis in Ecuador.

Amidst the ongoing violent turmoil in Ecuador, the emerging mining industry envisions a path forward, as both operational mines and upcoming projects are anticipated to proceed as scheduled, bolstered by heightened security measures. Despite residents taking refuge at home due to President Daniel Noboa’s war on drug gangs, mines belonging to Lundin Gold Inc. and…

Read More

First Quantum to unveil the preliminary preservation plan for the copper mine in Panama.

On Wednesday, the Panamanian branch of Canadian mining company First Quantum Minerals announced its intention to present the initial stage of its mine conservation plan to government authorities on January 16. This decision follows the closure order issued for its project last year. Due to a ruling by Panama’s highest court, citing the contract as…

Read More

Saudi Arabia increases its mineral resource estimates to $2.5 trillion.

Saudi Arabia has increased its projections for untapped mineral resources, encompassing phosphate, gold, and rare earths, to $2.5 trillion, a significant upward revision from the 2016 forecast of $1.3 trillion, as indicated by the country’s mining minister. This reflects Riyadh’s strategic emphasis on diversifying its economy away from oil dependence, with a focus on harnessing…

Read More